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Connector assembly with two stage latch

a technology of connector assembly and latch, which is applied in the direction of coupling base/case, coupling device connection, coupling/disengagement of coupling parts, etc., and can solve problems such as severe damage to the connector

Active Publication Date: 2010-10-12
TYCO ELECTRONICS LOGISTICS AG (CH)
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution ensures safe and controlled high voltage connections by maintaining the interlock circuit open until the conductors are fully mated and closed only when the circuit is secure, preventing damage and ensuring user safety during the unmating process.

Problems solved by technology

For example, if a connector is unmated under active high voltage power, at the instant the mating conductors of the high voltage connector disconnect, the high voltage power may cause severe damage to the connector.
One problem is that the integration of an HVIL protection circuit with a high voltage connector usually requires a second connector or does not provide significant delay during the unmating sequence.

Method used

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  • Connector assembly with two stage latch
  • Connector assembly with two stage latch
  • Connector assembly with two stage latch

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0022]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mated connector assembly 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plug connector subassembly 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a header connector subassembly 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector assembly 1 is a high voltage connector assembly in one embodiment. For example, the connector assembly 1 may be capable of transferring electric current at a voltage up to approximately 600 volts. The connector assembly 1 may transfer current at voltages of at least approximately 42 volts. Alternatively, the connector assembly 1 may be an assembly that transfers electric current at a lesser voltage. The connector assembly 1 may be a vehicular connector assembly. For example, the connector assembly 1 may be used to transfer electric current between two or more electronic devices or modules in an aut...

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Abstract

A connector assembly includes an outer housing and a floating latch. The outer housing includes a flexible latch and mates with a header connector subassembly. The floating latch is slidably joined to the outer housing. The floating latch latches onto the outer housing and the header connector subassembly. When the outer housing is moved along a mating direction to mate with the header assembly, the floating latch travels with the outer housing until one of opposite ends of the floating latch couples to the header connector subassembly. After the floating latch is coupled to the header connector subassembly, the outer housing continues to travel along the mating direction relative to the floating latch with the floating latch sliding relative to the outer housing until another one of the opposite ends couples with the flexible latch of the outer housing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application relates to and claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 201,605, filed Dec. 12, 2008, and entitled “Connector Assembly With Two Stage Latch” (the “'605 Application”). The entire disclosure of the '605 Application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly, to a connector assembly having mating subassemblies with latches to secure the subassemblies to one another.[0003]Increased fuel costs and increased efforts at reducing environmental pollution have lead the automotive industry towards electric and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). One design aspect of these vehicles is the consideration for the high operating voltage. Consequently, specific components of the vehicles must be designed to accommodate the high voltage. The electrical systems of these vehicles include components that ope...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H01R13/627
CPCH01R13/53H01R13/6275H01R23/26H01R13/641H01R2103/00H01R13/627
Inventor TYLER, ADAM PRICE
Owner TYCO ELECTRONICS LOGISTICS AG (CH)